Difference Between Later and Latter

The words ‘later’ and ‘latter’ sound quite similar and can be easily confused by many people. However, these two words have different meanings and usage in the English language. In this response, I will explain the meanings of both words, provide examples of their usage, and highlight the differences between them.

Later vs Latter

Meanings

Later: Later is an adverb that means something that happens after the present time or after the time already referred to. It refers to a later time or a future time.

Latter: Latter is an adjective that means the second of two things or the last mentioned of two things.

Examples

Later:

1. I will call you later in the day.
2. Let’s schedule the meeting for later this week.
3. I can’t come now, I’ll come later.

Latter:

1. I prefer tea over coffee, the latter being too strong for my taste.
2. The company offered two plans, the first included basic services, while the latter offered more advanced services.
3. The options were A and B, I chose the latter.

Usages:

Later:

• Later is used to indicate something that will occur after the present time or after a time already mentioned.

Latter:

• Latter is used to refer to the second or last of two things that have been mentioned.

Difference between Later and Latter

Later	Latter
Adverb	Adjective
Indicates time	Indicates the second of two things
Refers to a future time	Refers to the last of two things
Usage – Time	Usage – Comparison

Conclusion:

In summary, later and latter are two different words in the English language with different meanings and usage. While ‘later’ indicates something that happens after the present time or after the time already referred to, ‘latter’ refers to the second or last of two things that have been mentioned.